World Service Association

The goal of the Institute of Global Education is to
educate those who desire to participate in a world where peace is a way of life.
Individuals will be empowered to cultivate an attitude of world citizenship
where international thinking is the norm. We live in a world of abundance in
which we need to improve our skills for accomplishing the changes needed to
correct inequities and shortages. Students and participants will develop the
abilities to promote food sufficiency,
reverse environmental degradation, mentor social justice, and maximize self
realization within the global community.

BACKGROUND

The
Institute for Global Education incorporated December 12, 1980. Non profit
status was granted March 1, 1984 under USA 501(c)(3) regulations. Radio For
Peace International was created November 2, 1985. The Institute nurtured
the international shortwave radio station, broadcasting from Costa Rica, until
it became an independent corporation on April 9, 1992.

The Institute of Global Education was granted status
at the United Nations in 1998 as an “NGO in Special consultative status with the
Economic and Social Council of the United Nations”. The Institute has
permanent Representatives at United Nations Headquarters in New York and in
Geneva. Efforts are made to strengthen and empower the United Nations to fulfill
its global mission.

PROGRAMS

Since June 2004, concentration has been on the College
Scholarship Fund. Through donations and sponsorships this fund assures education
for those deserving and financially-in-need students tenth level and beyond who
would otherwise be unable to go to college. Many are from families where they
are the first to go to college. For these students education is their only
access to a real future.

The Institute also conducts courses (credits may be
granted through cooperating universities) through the Department of Integrated
Ecopsychology. Dr. Michael Cohen, Director, holds workshops throughout the USA
and has interactive classes on the internet as part of distance learning. His
work is widely recognized.

The Institute has published several significant books
including the award winning Connecting with Nature: Creating Moments that Let
Nature Teach, Well Mind Well Earth, Reconnecting with Nature, and Einstein’s
World all by Dr. Michael Cohen. Dr. Richard Schneider wrote In Search of
Rainbows and In Search of Rainbows II and III, which have been translated into
Telugu, and most recently (2006) The Collected Works: In Search of Rainbows.

The Institute held several Peace and the Planet
Symposiums including Native Wisdom, Natives Rights and Mother Earth and
Belonging to Mother Earth: Indigenous Wisdom and Healing that brought together
indigenous leaders and lay people from around the world.

DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION

The Institute of Global Education has created a
learning experience that is global, experiential, Holistic and sustainable. So
as to provide accessibility to all peoples, a pragmatic, individualized approach
is used for determining prerequisites for study.

Through the World Core Curriculum the Institute offers
a dynamic quality to education in a universal sense. Training and leadership are
provided to those with interest but without the means or resources to access
leading theory and strategies of emerging global unity.

Students become teachers and teachers become students. The
Institute has created a cooperative process that emphasizes the nurturing of
relationships, both inner-personal and inter-personal. Opportunities are
provided for one-on-one situations and for the integration of skills on a
collective, global level. A variety of internships are available for on-site
experience. Attention is placed on learning effective skills for empowered
global citizenship through local community activity.

The values that the Institute of Global Education
teaches and the issues which its organizational format addresses are summarized
in these words of Dr. Schneider, “Education is a potent force in shaping values
and in harmonizing the forces of tradition and innovation. Educational efforts
must be on a global basis and we must all come to think and act as world
citizens.”

The Institute of Global Education aids in the
development of thinkers, prepared as world citizens, to make constructive and
peaceful contributions to the betterment of the planet and the human condition.
Today, the future of the planet and life as we know it depends on the
transformation of current thinking and behavior. Developing higher consciousness
as the core foundation is an effective way to create the changes needed. The
entire process is non-discriminatory, inclusive and eclectic.

FOUNDER
AND PRESIDENT

Dr. F. Richard Schneider has served the Institute of
Global Education since its inception in 1980. Previously, he served and/or
directed government agencies and private social service organizations in many
settings. Dr. Schneider initiated innovative and far reaching programs for
children and youth and nurtured development of global projects with indigenous
peoples. He has taught at the university level and has extensive experience in
curriculum development and program management. He has developed and directed
numerous symposiums and international conferences. He is the Chief Executive
Officer of the Institute.

Another school year is winding down in
India. Many of our students are presently writing final exams. This will
continue through April. It has been a fruitful year with many
achievements and more break though for our lower caste and non-caste
students. It is true that the Constitution of India declares the
abolishment of caste but I can tell you that this is not happened and is
still very much a work in progress. Our students have broken one barrier
after another and are not really free until they have their college
degrees. There are no other stepping-stones to their futures other than
their education.

We will graduate five students this year:
Degree students are Upendar, Ghouse and Unagesh. It is interesting to
note that one is Christian, one is Hindu, and one is Muslim. All three
will receive the Bachelor in Business degree. Rajini just graduated
with a degree in nursing. Pavani will receive her master's degree in
organic chemistry. In addition, two students, Veerababu and Sravani, are
completing their Tenth Level programs. These are the stepping-stones to
a solid and wonderful future for these students. All succeeded only
because you stood by them all these years with love and financial
support.

The financial crisis in the USA and
everywhere has created our own financial crisis. The costs continue, the
tuition's keep rising, the hostel fees continue to go up. Even the exam
fees have doubled. In India you pay for each final exam
individually. Now is a great time to donate to keep the program alive
and well because we are receiving the highest exchange rate that we have
ever received. A year ago the exchange rate was 38 rupees to a US$.
Right now we are receiving between 49 and 50 rupees to a US$.

Please join us in keeping the program
viable and these students on track so the others can finish their
degrees or intermediate work. They need you loving support, financial
help and your good wishes.